Söderala: Church, Cultural Landscape and Birdlife

Söderala brings together church history and a rural cultural landscape with birdwatching and winter activities. A copy of the Söderala weather vane from around 1025, grand Hälsingegårdar and the Ålsjön Nature Reserve reveal different sides of the destination. There is also a cycling connection to Söderhamn and seasonal offerings. Deciding which of these themes to focus on can help you tailor your holiday-rental search to the days you plan to visit.

Church, Historic Farms and Cultural Landscape

Söderala Church is considered the best-preserved church of the so-called Sigtuna group and has an unusual floor plan. Inside is a copy of the Söderala weather vane from around 1025. A visit to the church must be arranged by phone, so call ahead to plan your visit.

The national cultural heritage interest area of Söderala Cultural Environment [X 600] includes burial grounds, a large burial mound from the Late Iron Age and slag heaps. The designated area also includes grand Hälsingegårdar dating from the early 19th to the early 20th century. This protected cultural landscape brings together traces of different eras, and its character cannot be reduced to a single building.

Asta village is also one of the best-preserved village environments in Söderhamn Municipality. Asta is home to the Hälsingegården Erik-Anders, one of the seven Hälsingegårdar on the UNESCO World Heritage List. It has a visitor centre for the Hälsingegårdar World Heritage Site. Daily guided tours are offered in summer; check the current programme before your visit. The garden café is a seasonal offering, and you should also check its opening times in advance.

A “stranded Viking ship” stands at Gullsaxbro in Siggesta. The installation aims to illustrate and bring to life the cultural heritage of the end of the Viking Age. Bergahögen is considered Alir’s only remaining large burial mound. Bergahögen is described as offering views across the Söderala valley, the former sea inlet and the ridge with the church.

Ålsjön: Birdlife and Shallow Lowland Lake

Near Söderala is the Ålsjön Nature Reserve, a very shallow lowland lake and the county’s most important bird lake area. More than 200 bird species have been recorded there, and more than 60 species nest regularly. An old forest bordering the lake is home to spruce and pine trees approaching 200 years of age. The lake, birdlife and forest give the area a different focus from the historic village centre.

A boardwalk runs through large parts of the nature reserve. Ålsjön is considered easy to access; prams and wheelchairs are no obstacle to birdwatching or enjoying nature. Maintenance or storm damage can affect visitor infrastructure, so check the current condition of the boardwalk before your visit.

Cycling and Winter Activities

A cycle path connects Söderala with Söderhamn. The village also has a well-preserved village street, and the distinctive agricultural and cultural landscape shapes the character of the surrounding area. Construction or maintenance work may affect cycling routes, so it is worth checking the latest route information.

In winter, Söderala offers a ski facility at the Valla shooting range, with a two-kilometre illuminated trail. Check snow and lighting conditions before travelling. A large snowmobile route also starts in Söderala; check its current access and condition in advance. This gives you two different winter activities to consider: a trail with a stated length and lighting, or a route whose current course you should check when planning.

Choosing the Right Focus for Your Accommodation

If you are especially interested in church architecture and settlement history, Söderala Church, the farms and the historic landscape features are the main attractions. For days in nature, Ålsjön is the named addition; in winter, there are also the ski trail and snowmobile route. The cycle path to Söderhamn is another point to consider when planning. Before searching for a holiday rental, decide which of these interests you want to shape your trip. That way, you can choose Söderala based on whether you plan to focus mainly on culture, birdwatching, cycling or winter activities.

Discover More Destinations

Discover more destinations: Norrala, Mo, Marmaverken, Ljusne, Söderhamn, Skog, Stråtjära, Holmsveden.

Return to the broader travel guide: Söderhamn.